April 2014

On March 26, 2014, the Government of Canada introduced into Parliament Bill C-30, the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act. Bill C-30 contains a number of proposed amendments to the Canada Transportation Act and the Canada Grain Act. These include, in particular, amendments to the Canada Transportation Act (the CTA) to:

“Create regulatory authority to allow the Canadian Transportation Agency to extend the interswitching distances in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba to 160km, for all commodities, to increase competition among railways and give shippers’ access to alternative rail services.”

The proposed changes to the regulated interswitching regime raise a number of questions including:

How was the new limit for regulated interswitching of 160km determined?

How did the Government decide that this should apply in the three provinces specified and to all commodities in those provinces?

How much additional traffic will now be subject to regulated interswitching?

What is the reason for the unusual sunset clause?

How much will the changes to regulated interswitching contribute to speeding up grain movements and clearing the backlog?

What will be the impact on the rail sector and shippers of the proposed changes to regulated interswitching?

What do the changes to regulated interswitching imply for the other CTA “shipper protection” provisions?

The Canadian Transportation Research Forum has issued this Policy Brief to describe the facts, context surrounding the possible regulatory changes, and to raise questions for further research and policy discussion.

The Canadian Transportation Research Forum is a non-profit association of transportation professionals that has been operating since 1965. Its mission is to promote the development of research in transportation and related fields and provide a forum for networking and discussion by: publishing research papers, providing opportunities to discuss transportation issues, and providing an environment for professional networking and encouraging student interest in transportation research.

November 2013

But further changes to the regulatory framework are needed

November 4, 2013: Over the past ten years main-track collisions and derailments – the most serious category of rail accidents – have declined by over 50 per cent. Yet the recent tragic rail accident in Lac-Mégantic involving a unit train of crude oil, and the significant increases in crude oil shipments by rail that have taken place over the past several years highlight the need for changes to the rail safety regulatory framework. A new policy briefing by the Canadian Transportation Research Forum (CTRF) offers insights on some possible changes to that framework for consideration.

“Due to recent accidents there is a perception that rail safety performance in Canada has been poor and that there has been very little regulatory effort devoted to the topic. Both of those perceptions are misguided.” said Marc-André Roy, President of the CTRF. “Not only has rail safety performance improved but the federal Railway Safety Act (RSA) has been reviewed and amended in recent years. Nonetheless, there are opportunities for further improvement, some of which based on previous Transportation Safety Board recommendations not yet fully implemented.”

The CTRF supports reviewing the need to change the regulatory framework that ensure, among other objectives, that the costs of accidents are borne by the rail and shipper industries rather than by the communities through which the goods travel. The possible changes considered in the briefing are addressed under four categories:

The need for enhanced standards for DOT-111 tank cars, the type that were involved at Lac-Mégantic;

Strengthening railway third-party liability insurance regulations;

Examining operations, while balancing the legitimate concerns of communities, to identify concrete actions that can be taken to further reduce safety risks; and

“The rail industry in North America is highly integrated. As a result it is important that the various regulatory authorities and stakeholders also act in an integrated manner,” said Malcolm Cairns, author of the briefing. “It is also important that the design and implementation of any regulatory changes avoid imposing costs on the industries that are disproportionately greater than the expected value of the safety improvements.”

The Canadian Transportation Research Forum is a non-profit association of transportation professionals that has been operating since 1965. Its mission is to promote the development of research in transportation and related fields and provide a forum for networking and discussion by: publishing research papers, providing opportunities to discuss transportation issues, and providing an environment for professional networking and encouraging student interest in transportation research.

July 2013

Transportation of Crude Oil by Rail:

Latest Research from the Canadian Transportation Research Forum

TORONTO – Research recently published by the Canadian Transportation Research Forum (CTRF) focuses on the potential for transportation of crude oil by rail in North America. The research was conducted by Malcolm Cairns of Malcolm Cairns Research and Consulting and was presented at the CTRF Annual Conference in Halifax Nova Scotia on June 11.

In North America crude oil has traditionally been transported to markets by pipeline. However, large quantities of product from new sources such as the Alberta oil sands and the Bakken shale formation in North Dakota will require the development of new pipeline connections and capacity. The development of new pipelines has however been a contentious matter and the future of pipeline projects including the Keystone XL and Northern Gateway pipeline projects remains uncertain. Where pipeline capacity is unavailable, North American railways have increasingly been moving crude oil to markets and this is likely to continue in the foreseeable future.

This two-part paper provides a broad overview of these issues, including the current movement of crude oil and related traffic and approximate estimates of the rail capacity to handle future volumes. A copy of the full research paper, “CRUDE OIL BY RAIL: PARTS I and II” can be downloaded here.

The CTRF is a non-profit association of transportation professionals dedicated to promoting the development of research in transportation and related fields and providing a forum for networking and discussion of transportation issues. For additional information on CTRF or on current research highlights, please visit the CTRF website: http://www.ctrf.ca.

July 2013

Truck Parking a Growing Problem in Urban Areas:

Latest Research from the Canadian Transportation Research Forum

TORONTO – Businesses and consumers often demand the delivery of goods at peak times. But the trucks that are used to deliver goods often have nowhere to park. This in turn leads to a host of negative consequences, particularly in Central Business Districts (CBD’s) of large cities. The problem is significant and growing.

As part of a new research program, the Canadian Transportation Research Forum (CTRF) has released new research focusing on policies for truck parking in congested urban centres. The research was conducted by Dr. Matthew Roorda, Mehdi Nourinejad, Adam Wenneman, and Khandker Nurul Habib of the University of Toronto.

CBDs are major destinations for goods pickup and delivery in Canada’s urban areas. “Last mile” delays in CBDs are one of the most expensive components of urban freight. In this “last mile”, truckers must navigate congested urban streets and search for appropriate parking. When parking is unavailable or inappropriately located, delivery vehicles frequently park illegally, often considering the parking tickets as a cost of doing business. Many of these parking tickets are eventually nullified. The end result is more congestion, little revenue for governments and higher costs for businesses and consumers.

A variety of policies have been developed for dealing with this problem, including time restrictions, pricing policies, space management and enforcement. This study explores the potential of alternative truck parking policies and develops a novel model for assessing the impacts of parking policy. The model is applied to analysis of an area within the Toronto CBD to assess the effectiveness of truck-only parking areas at selected locations, though provides lessons for other urban centers. The research points the way to development of more sophisticated quantitative tools for analyzing parking policy options in congested urban environments. A copy of the full research paper, “Truck Parking In Urban Areas: Application of Choice Modelling Within Traffic Microsimulation“ is available.

The CTRF is a non-profit association of transportation professionals dedicated to promoting the development of research in transportation and related fields and providing a forum for networking and discussion of transportation issues. For additional information on CTRF or on current research highlights, please visit the CTRF website: http://www.ctrf.ca .

April 2013

Canadian Transportation Research Forum, April 2013

North American Competitiveness in Global Trade:
The Role of Transportation

TORONTO – The Canadian Transportation Research Forum 48th Annual Conference in Halifax will focus on the role of transportation in North American trade competitiveness. The conference is to be hosted by the Dalhousie University Centre for International Trade and Transportation atThe Lord Nelson Hotel in the heart of historic Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 10-12, 2013.

CTRF has a reputation for open dialogue, stimulating exchange of ideas, challenging debate and forward-looking consideration of transportation research presented by Canadian and international participants. The target audience for participation includes: academics, governments, transport carriers, shippers, shipper associations, professional service firms, industry analysts, and trade press—all within a lively forum that has become a tradition in Canada.

In addition to papers, plenary and panel sessions, the conference features special luncheon speakers, an Oxford-style debate, networking opportunities, a companions’ program, and a lobster dinneronboard theHarbour Queen, a replica of a Mississippi sternwheeler steamboat, which will tour Halifax Harbour.

The program includes plenary and paper sessions on a variety of topics related to current transportation issues. Keynote luncheon speakers include Brian Flemming, Counsel, McInnes Cooper on “Canadian Transport Policy in 2013: Some Tantalizing Trends” and Andrew Abbott, President & CEO, Atlantic Container Line. Conference participants will have the opportunity to attend the Atlantic Provinces Transportation Forum on June 12 at no additional charge. The APTF keynote speaker will be Jean-Jacques Ruest, Executive V. P. and Chief Marketing Officer CN.

For additional information on the conference program and for registration details, please visit the CTRF website: http://www.ctrf.ca.

January 2013

Canadian Transportation Research Forum, January 2013

North American Competitiveness in Global Trade:
The Role of Transportation

TORONTO – The Canadian Transportation Research Forum 48th Annual Conference in Halifax will focus on the role of transportation in North American trade competitiveness. The conference is to be hosted by the Dalhousie University Centre for International Trade and Transportation atThe Lord Nelson Hotel in the heart of historic Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 10-12, 2013.

CTRF has a reputation for open dialogue, stimulating exchange of ideas, challenging debate and forward-looking consideration of transportation research presented by Canadian and international participants. The target audience for participation includes: academics, governments, transport carriers, shippers, shipper associations, professional service firms, industry analysts, and trade press—all within a lively forum that has become a tradition in Canada.

In addition to papers, plenary and panel sessions, the conference features special luncheon speakers, an Oxford-style debate, networking opportunities, a companions’ program, and a lobster dinneronboard theHarbour Queen, a replica of a Mississippi sternwheeler steamboat, which will tour Halifax Harbour.

We invite authors and presenters to submit their work to our 48th annual conference, with a particular focus onNorth American Competitiveness in Global Trade: The Role of Transportation.

The deadline for abstracts has been extended to January 31, 2013.

For additional information on the conference program, call for papers, and for registration details, please visit the CTRF website: http://www.ctrf.ca.

March 15, 2012

** Le texte français suit l`anglais. **

Sustainable Transportation:

Economic, Social and Environmental Perspectives

CALGARY – The Canadian Transportation Research Forum (CTRF) 47th Annual Conference in Calgary brings together leaders from the private sector, government, and academia to present and debate industry leading research in the transportation and logistics sectors, with a focus on approaches to sustainability that balance environmental, economic and social needs. The conference will be held on June 3-6, 2012 at the Roderick Mah Centre, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada.

The June 4th opening plenary will feature executives from Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian Freightways and WestJet discussing topics related to sustainability in the transportation industry. The June 5th plenary will explore market access and sustainability issues related to pipeline and maritime transportation of Canadian energy products, with representatives from Alberta Energy, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and The Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia providinginsights and analysis. In addition to the plenary sessions, the conference will feature over 40 different speakers on a wide range of topics related to current transportation issues. Attendees may also participate in technical tours and a variety of social events which will provide opportunities for networking with members of the transportation community.

The Canadian Transportation Research Forum is a non-profit association of more than 300 transportation professionals from a variety of private sector and government organizations and academic institutions. For additional information on the conference program and registration details, please visit the CTRF website: http://www.ctrf.ca.

January 30, 2012

Discovery Air Innovations announces the first annual Hybrid Air Vehicle Student Paper Competition

Yellowknife, NT January 30, 2012 – Discovery Air Innovations (DAI), in collaboration with the Canadian Transportation Research Forum, is pleased to announce the first annual Hybrid Air Vehicle (HAV) student paper competition. DAI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery Air, is sponsoring the event to help foster the academic development of Heavy Lift Hybrid Air Vehicles in North America.

The 2011-2012 competition, open to all full-time University Graduate students, will focus on the humanitarian application for Heavy Lift Hybrid Air Vehicles (HLHAV). The students will examine the capabilities and operating characteristics of HLHAV and determine their ability to offer a solution to global suffering. The analysis should match or consider strengths and weaknesses of Heavy Lift solutions applied to specific humanitarian missions and result in clear and logically derived conclusions.

“Discovery Air Innovations is thrilled to sponsor the HAV student competition,” said DAI’s Director of Business Development, Stephen Newton. “Heavy Lift Hybrid Air Vehicles are a promising technology for the future with significant application in circumstances such as humanitarian missions where conventional modes of transportation may not be feasible. Getting students involved in the developmental phase of this technology is essential for the future of this technology.”

The Canadian Transportation Research Forum (CTRF) a non-profit association that promotes the development of research in transportation “has a long history of encouraging students to pursue transportation-related studies through student paper competitions and scholarship awards,” said Vijay Gill, President of CTRF. “We are proud to be able to extend that history through our collaboration with DAI.”

“We are very pleased that our students will have the opportunity to engage in innovative ideas with meaningful applications,” commented Dr. Paul Earl, Director, Transport Institute, I.H. Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba. “The trauma of natural disasters is accentuated by disruptions to the transportation systems that limit humanitarian logistics efforts. This initiative provides an opportunity to explore the role that hybrid aircraft could play in saving lives and relieving suffering when conventional logistical services are interrupted.”

The deadline for the competition is March 31, 2012 and all submissions are being judged by the CTRF. Winning authors will be awarded $500 and $250 for first and second prize respectively. For more information about the 2011-2012 Hybrid Air Vehicle Student Paper Competition and how to submit an entry, please visit the Discovery Air Innovations website at www.da-innovations.com .

ABOUT DISCOVERY AIR AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

Discovery Air Inc. is a Canadian specialty aviation company, operating over 140 aircraft with our 850 team members. We deliver airborne training to the Canadian military; airborne fire services; VFR helicopter operations; fixed-wing air charter services; expediting and logistics support; and a range of maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, engineering and certification services.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH FORUM

The Canadian Transportation Research Forum is a non-profit association of professionals and students dedicated to research in transportation and related fields. CTRF provides a forum for networking and discussion and supports education in transportation related fields through publication of research papers, conferences, scholarships and student competitions.

November 18, 2011

TORONTO – The Canadian Transportation Research Forum 47th Annual Conference in Calgary will focus on sustainability in transportation. The conference will bring together leaders from the private sector, government, and academia to discuss current issues in the transportation sector, with a focus on approaches to sustainability which balance environmental, economic and social needs. The conference will be held on June 3-6, 2012 at the Roderick Mah Centre, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada.

The quest for sustainable approaches to transportation goes beyond traditional cost reduction strategy by taking a holistic view in which environmental, social and economic perspectives are intertwined to identify and research creative approaches. The emphasis for this conference is on forward looking, relevant and thoughtfully presented applied research and policy recommendations of interest to the private sector, academia, and all levels of government.

For additional information on the conference program, and for registration details, please visit the CTRF website: http://www.ctrf.ca.